Top-five chasing Bournemouth host title-chasing Manchester City in a blockbuster Premier League showdown.
Victory would see Andoni Iraola’s Cherries secure sixth at minimum, whilst they would also move to within one point of fifth-placed Liverpool and potential Champions League qualification.
Man City meanwhile must win in order to move back to within two points of league leaders, Arsenal, otherwise the title race will be mathematically sealed in favour of the North London club.
Team News
Ryan Christie is suspended for Bournemouth after his red card in their 1-0 victory at Fulham.
Lewis Cook (hamstring/calf) is set to make his first appearance since February, whilst Julio Soler (hamstring) is also in contention.
Alejandro Gimenez is still internally suspended due to a personal matter.
Man City have no fresh injury concerns after their FA Cup title victory against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
When is Kick-Off?
Bournemouth host Man City at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday 19 May at 7:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Bournemouth have won just one of 17 Premier League meetings against Man City (W1, L16).
- Man City have lost just one of their eight previous league trips to Bournemouth (W7, L1).
- City have kept a single clean sheet in their last four league visits to Bournemouth.
- Rayan has scored in each of Bournemouth’s last three matches (W2, D1).
- Man City have kept clean sheets in four of their last six league matches (W5, D1).
Prediction
Unbeaten in their last 16 league matches coming into this massive test, Bournemouth should hold little fear because they definitely have the confidence to cause a surprise – especially now that a win would give them a sniff at finishing fifth on the final day if Liverpool slip up.
This home match also marks their last home game under Andoni Iraola and I must praise them for how they stayed focused since he announced his departure when could of easily formed an ‘on the beach’ mentality, yet they showed grit and resilience to edge past Fulham in a scrappy battle.
Man City meanwhile weren’t exactly at their finest against Chelsea in a cagey game lacking quality yet they crucially made one moment count, which now gives them fresh belief with both cups now secured and a chance to chase down a domestic treble but they must be sharper here.
If they don’t bring a sharper final touch given that only victory will keep their title dreams alive, I just can see Bournemouth with their fresher legs nicking a point but I expect a great battle between two in-form teams.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Man City
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